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Mayor Mamdani to tap Faiza Ali, former NYC Council staffer, as chief immigration officer
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Feb 17, 2026
Modified Feb 17, 2026
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Kyle Mazza / Anadolu via Getty Images
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Feb 17, 2026
Modified Feb 17, 2026
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to appoint Faiza Ali, former first deputy chief of staff to prior City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, as the city's chief immigration officer, City Hall officials said Tuesday.
Mamdani and Ali previously served together on the board of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York, one of the mayor's political homes where he made a number of trusted allies. City Hall spokesperson Dora Pekec confirmed Ali’s appointment as commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
"At a time when immigrants are facing escalated and unprecedented attacks, we will prioritize strengthening protections, expanding access to legal and language services, and building real pathways to stability for New York City’s diverse immigrant communities," Ali said in a statement.
Ali was the first Muslim American woman to serve as first deputy chief of staff in the City Council, according to Crain’s New York Business. In that role, she was involved in land-use and budget negotiations.
Ali formerly worked as advocacy director at the nonprofit Arab American Association of New York and community affairs director at the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization.
Ali is the daughter of Pakistani immigrants and was born and raised in Midwood, Brooklyn. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from Pace University.
Ali will replace Manuel Castro, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient and former immigrant labor organizer appointed by former Mayor Eric Adams, as commissioner. Castro had drawn some criticism from progressive lawmakers and immigration advocates for refusing to publicly opine on President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
This story has been updated with additional information.
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Politics
Zohran Mamdani
immigration
new york city
Arya Sundaram
Arya is a reporter covering race and justice. Got a tip? Email: [email protected] or reach Arya on Signal at 512-650-8767.
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